Pages

April 1, 2012

Globe: Bailey Has Thumb Injury

Manager Bobby Valentine said part of the reason [Alfredo] Aceves will remain in the bullpen is that he's not comfortable with his late-inning options. Pressed, he said there was a health issue involved but refused to name the player.

But sources have since told the Globe that closer Andrew Bailey is dealing with a thumb injury.

Bailey, who has a history of health concerns, has not pitched in a major league game since March 25. He was listed as one of the pitchers to throw against the Rays on Saturday and did not.

Bailey threw 26 pitches in a minor league game on Wednesday. But he is not listed to pitch on Sunday or Monday.

If Bailey is put on the disabled list, it would be retroactive to March 27. He could then return on April 10, having missed only four games.

Valentine, on Aceves:

[H]e's one the best pitchers in camp and trying to figure out where it is we need him the most is very difficult, perplexing problem. ... I could see him pitching at the end of the game very easily. When we look at the situation with this team, it seems he has incredible value, not being locked down one day [as a starter].

The 25-man roster has not been offically announced, but Aaron Cook will be part of Pawtucket's starting rotation and Ryan Lavarnway will also be in AAA.

Great stuff in the Red Sox's box score from Saturday. Valentine shifted his infielders around at the start of nearly every inning:

Nick Cafardo wrote the Globe's live game blog, but did not mention the shuffling at all.